U.S. patent application number 11/104639 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-03 for detergent supply apparatus of washing machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG Electronics Inc.. Invention is credited to Cho, Han Ki, Jang, Ho Sung, Kang, Dong Hoon, Kang, Jung Hoon, Kim, Jong Min, No, Yang Hwan.
Application Number | 20050241347 11/104639 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35094862 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050241347 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cho, Han Ki ; et
al. |
November 3, 2005 |
Detergent supply apparatus of washing machine
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a detergent supply apparatus of a washing
machine, which installs a liquid detergent container in a powdered
detergent chamber of a detergent container. The liquid detergent
container makes it possible to mix and supply liquid detergent and
water, which allows liquid detergent to be conveniently placed in,
moreover, decoloration and discoloration of laundry to be
prevented.
Inventors: |
Cho, Han Ki; (Changwon-si,
KR) ; No, Yang Hwan; (Changwon-si, KR) ; Kang,
Jung Hoon; (Changwon-si, KR) ; Kim, Jong Min;
(Changwon-si, KR) ; Jang, Ho Sung; (Hadong-kun,
KR) ; Kang, Dong Hoon; (Pusanjin-ku, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Assignee: |
LG Electronics Inc.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
35094862 |
Appl. No.: |
11/104639 |
Filed: |
April 13, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/243 ;
510/225 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/02 20130101;
D06F 39/028 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
068/243 ;
510/225 |
International
Class: |
C11D 001/00; D06F
051/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 14, 2004 |
KR |
2004-25965 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A detergent supply apparatus of a washing machine, comprising: a
detergent container having a powdered detergent chamber which
stores powdered detergent; and a liquid detergent container or a
plurality of liquid detergent containers storing liquid detergent,
said liquid detergent container detachably set in the powdered
detergent chamber.
2. The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine as set
forth in claim 1, wherein a detergent chamber is partitioned into a
plurality of powdered detergent sections, and the liquid detergent
container is detachably set in each of the powdered detergent
sections.
3. The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the powdered detergent chamber is
partitioned into a main detergent storing section for main washing
and a preliminary detergent storing section for preliminary
washing.
4. The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the liquid detergent containers include a
main liquid detergent container detachably set in a main detergent
storing section and a subsidiary liquid container detachably set in
a preliminary detergent storing section.
5. The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the detergent container includes: a
fabric softner storing section where fabric softner is contained
and a siphon is protruded; and a fabric softner cover which covers
the fabric softner storing section and provides a water drain
passage with the siphon.
6. The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the detergent container includes: a
bleach storing section where bleach is contained and a siphon is
protruded; and a bleach cover which covers the bleach storing
section and provides a water drain passage with the siphon.
7. The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the liquid detergent container has at
least one protrusion which parts a bottom of the liquid detergent
container from a bottom of the powdered detergent chamber by
predetermined distance.
8. The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the liquid detergent container has a
plurality of protrusions which part a side of liquid detergent
container from a side of the powdered detergent chamber by
predetermined distance.
9. The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine as set
forth in claim 1, wherein height of the liquid detergent container
is lower than height of the powdered detergent chamber.
10. The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the liquid detergent container has a
siphon upwardly protruded and a liquid detergent siphon cover which
covers the siphon and provides a water drain passage with the
siphon.
11. The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine as set
forth in claim 10, wherein a bottom of the liquid detergent
container has a downward sloping surface toward the siphon.
12. The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine as set
forth in claim 10, wherein the liquid detergent siphon cover has a
straight portion which is suspended on a wall of the liquid
detergent container so as to restrict rotation of the liquid
detergent siphon cover.
13. The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine as set
forth in claim 10, wherein the liquid detergent siphon cover has an
indication portion in a stepwise manner, which shows the maximum
quantity of liquid detergent.
14. A detergent supply apparatus of a washing machine, comprising:
a housing installed in the washing machine; a detergent container
inserted in the housing; and at least one liquid detergent
container detachably set in the detergent container.
15. A detergent supply apparatus of a washing machine, comprising:
a housing installed in the washing machine, said housing opening at
a front and top portion; a detergent container having a detergent
chamber which stores powdered detergent, said detergent container
inserted into the housing through a front of the housing; a
dispenser having a plurality of water supply passages to inject
water into the detergent chamber, said dispenser covering a top
surface of the housing; and a liquid detergent container or a
plurality of liquid detergent containers detachably set in the
detergent chamber so as to mix and supply liquid detergent and
water.
16. The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine as set
forth in claim 15, wherein the detergent container is partitioned
into a plurality of detergent sections.
17. The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine as set
forth in claim 15, wherein the detergent chamber includes a main
detergent storing section, a preliminary detergent storing section,
a bleach storing section, and a fabric softner storing section.
18. The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine as set
forth in claim 15, wherein the liquid detergent container has a
siphon upwardly protruded and a liquid detergent siphon cover which
covers the siphon and provides with a water drain passage and the
siphon.
19. A washing machine comprising: a cabinet; a tub installed in the
cabinet; a drum rotatably set in the tub; a housing installed in
the cabinet; a detergent container having a powdered detergent
chamber in order to mix and supply powdered detergent and water,
said detergent container inserted into the housing; a dispenser
having a water supply passage to inject water into the powdered
detergent chamber, said dispenser covering a top surface of the
housing; and a liquid detergent container or a plurality of liquid
detergent containers detachably set in the powdered detergent
chamber in order to mix and supply liquid detergent and water.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a detergent supply
apparatus of a washing machine, more particularly, which is capable
of supplying liquid detergent and water to a tub of the washing
machine.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A washing machine is to decontaminate dirt on clothes or
bedding (hereinafter referred as "laundry") contained in a drum. It
cleans laundry through washing, rinsing, dehydrating and
drying.
[0005] The washing machine has a detergent supply apparatus to
supply powdered detergent or fabric softner mixed with water
supplied.
[0006] The use of liquid detergent is increasingly so popular that
it prevents a water supply passage of a detergent container from
clogging due to powered detergent, besides, it brings more powerful
washing effect.
[0007] However, the conventional detergent supply apparatus of the
washing machine has no additional detergent chamber for liquid
detergent but a powdered detergent chamber. Inevitably, liquid
detergent is directly poured in and touched with laundry, which
causes decoloration and discoloration of laundry.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a detergent supply apparatus of a washing machine, which
supplies liquid detergent together with water and protects against
decoloration and discoloration of laundry.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide the
detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine, which makes it
possible to easily place powdered detergent or liquid detergent
according to circumstances.
[0010] To achieve the above and other objects of the present
invention, a detergent supply apparatus of a washing machine
according to the present invention comprises a detergent container
having a powdered detergent chamber which stores powdered
detergent, and a liquid detergent container detachably set in the
powdered detergent chamber, which stores liquid detergent.
[0011] The detergent container has a plurality of powdered
detergent chambers, and the liquid detergent container is
detachably set in each of the powdered detergent chambers.
[0012] The powdered detergent chamber is partitioned into a main
detergent storing section for main washing and a preliminary
detergent storing section for preliminary washing.
[0013] The liquid detergent container is furnished with a main
liquid detergent container detachably set in the main detergent
storing section and a subsidiary liquid detergent container
detachably set in the preliminary detergent storing section.
[0014] The detergent container has a fabric softner storing section
where fabric softner is accommodated and a siphon is protruded. A
fabric softner cover covers the fabric softner storing section and
provides a water drain passage with the siphon.
[0015] The detergent container has a bleach storing section where
bleach is accommodated and a siphon is protruded. A bleach cover
covers the bleach storing section and provides the water drain
passage with the siphon.
[0016] A plurality of protrusions is existed in a bottom of the
liquid detergent container, which makes apart its bottom from the
corresponding area of the powdered detergent chamber by
predetermined distance.
[0017] A plurality of protrusions is existed in a side of the
liquid detergent container, which makes apart its side from the
corresponding area of the powdered detergent chamber by
predetermined distance.
[0018] Height of the liquid detergent container is lower than that
of the powdered detergent chamber.
[0019] The liquid detergent container has a protruded siphon and a
liquid detergent siphon cover which covers the siphon and provides
the water drain passage together with the siphon.
[0020] The liquid detergent container has a downward sloping
surface toward the siphon in a lower part.
[0021] The liquid detergent siphon cover has a straight portion
which is suspended on a wall of the liquid detergent container so
as to restrict its rotation.
[0022] The liquid detergent siphon cover has an indication portion
in a stepwise manner, which shows the maximum quantity of liquid
detergent.
[0023] The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine
according to the present invention comprises the detergent
container having the powdered detergent chamber, and the liquid
detergent container detachably set in the powdered detergent
chamber.
[0024] The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine
according to the present invention comprises a housing installed in
the washing machine, which is open at its front and top, the
detergent container having the detergent chambers, which is
inserted in the housing through a front of the housing, a dispenser
having a plurality of water supply passages to inject water into
the detergent chamber, which covers a top surface of the housing,
and the liquid detergent container detachably set in the detergent
chamber so as to mix and supply liquid detergent and water
together.
[0025] The detergent container is partitioned into the detergent
sections.
[0026] The detergent chambers include the main detergent storing
section, the preliminary detergent storing section, the bleach
storing section, and the fabric softner storing section.
[0027] The liquid detergent container has the protruded siphon and
the liquid detergent siphon cover which covers the siphon and
provides the water drain passage together with the siphon.
[0028] The washing machine according to the present invention
comprises a cabinet, a tub mounted in the cabinet, a drum rotatably
set in the tub, the housing installed in the cabinet, the detergent
container having the powdered detergent chamber so as to mix and
supply powdered detergent and water together, which is inserted
into the housing, the dispenser having the water supply passage to
inject water into the powdered detergent chamber, which covers the
top surface of the housing, and the liquid detergent container
detachably set in the powdered detergent chamber so as to mix and
supply liquid detergent and water together.
[0029] According to the present invention, the liquid detergent
container is installed in the powdered detergent chamber of the
detergent container, which mixes and supplies liquid detergent and
water together. Liquid detergent can be simply supplied. As liquid
detergent diluted with water soaks laundry, decoloration and
discoloration of laundry can be protected.
[0030] The liquid detergent container is detachably set in the
powdered detergent chamber of the detergent container, on that
account, liquid detergent or powdered detergent can be easily
placed in depending on a user's intention
[0031] The detergent container has the powdered chambers and the
liquid detergent container is detachably set in each of the
powdered detergent chambers, on that account, liquid detergent and
powdered detergent can be used together.
[0032] The powdered detergent chamber is partitioned into the main
detergent storing section and the preliminary detergent storing
section. The liquid detergent container is replenished with the
main liquid detergent container detachably set in the main
detergent storing section and the subsidiary liquid detergent
container detachably set in the preliminary detergent storing
section. If either the main liquid detergent container or the
subsidiary liquid detergent container is installed in the detergent
container, a different type of detergent can be used in a main and
preliminary washing process. The washing power can be much more
improved.
[0033] The bottom of the liquid detergent container is parted from
that of the powdered detergent storing section by predetermined
distance, on that account, liquid detergent and water can easily
flow without stagnating.
[0034] The side of the liquid detergent container is parted from
that of the powdered detergent chamber by predetermined distance
and a top of the liquid detergent container is lower than that of
the powdered detergent chamber, on that account, liquid detergent
and water does not overflow into another place. It can prevent the
unnecessary use of detergent.
[0035] The liquid detergent container has the protruded siphon and
the liquid detergent siphon cover which covers the siphon and
provides the water drain passage together with the siphon, on that
account, mixing and supplying liquid detergent and water is simply
possible.
[0036] The lower part of the liquid detergent container has the
downward sloping surface toward the siphon, on that account,
remaining liquid detergent can be minimized.
[0037] The liquid detergent siphon cover has the straight portion
which is suspended on the wall of the liquid detergent container in
order to restrict its rotation, on that account, an additional
structure, i.e. a hook, fixing the liquid detergent siphon cover is
not required and noise from the vibration of the washing machine
can be minimized.
[0038] The liquid detergent siphon cover has the indication portion
in a stepwise manner, which shows the maximum quantity of liquid
detergent, on that account, the user can easily notice the maximum
quantity of liquid detergent. It can prevent the excessive use of
liquid detergent and even the overflowing of liquid detergent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will be more clearly understood by reference to
the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a detergent supply apparatus
of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0041] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the detergent supply apparatus
of the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0042] FIG. 3 is an exploded plan of the detergent supply apparatus
in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0043] FIG. 4 is a plane plan of the detergent supply apparatus in
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0044] FIG. 5 is a sectional plan of the line A-A in FIG. 4;
[0045] FIG. 6 is a sectional plan of the line B-B in FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0046] Now, the preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be hereinafter described in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a detergent supply apparatus
of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the detergent
supply apparatus of the washing machine in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine according to
the embodiment comprises a casing 2, a tub 10 suspended in a casing
2 by a shock absorber to contain water with detergent or clean
water (w, hereinafter referred as "washing water"), a drum 20
rotatably set in the tub 10 to receive laundry(m), a driving motor
30 which makes the drum 20 rotate, a water supplier 40 which
supplies water to the tub 10, a water drainer 45 which drains
contaminated water in the tub 10 or dehydrated water from
laundry(m) out of the washing machine, and the detergent supply
apparatus 50 connected to the water supplier 40 in order to mix
detergent in water from the water supplier 40.
[0049] The casing 2 comprises a base 3 having a damper 3a to uphold
the tub 10, a cabinet 4 having a spring 4a in both sides to hang
the tub 10, which is located in a top of the base 3 to surround
both sides and a rear of the tub 10, a cabinet cover 5 having an
entrance hole 5a in a middle to place and remove laundry(m) and a
door 5b to open and close the entrance hole 5a, which is located in
a front of the cabinet 4, and a top plate 6 which covers a top
surface of the cabinet 4.
[0050] A control panel 7 is installed in an upper part of the
cabinet cover 5 in order to manipulate the washing machine.
[0051] The control panel 7 has an entrance hole for a detergent
container 7a which will be mentioned later.
[0052] An opening 12 is formed on a front of the tub 10 to allow
laundry(m) to put in and out from the drum 20, and a gasket 14 is
mounted around the opening 12 to prevent water from leaking and
laundry(m) from separating by closely adhering to a rear surface of
the door 5b.
[0053] The drum 20 has an entrance hole 21 for placing and removing
laundry(m) in the front of the tub 10. A plurality of perforations
22 for going in and out washing water is existed in a circumference
or the rear of the tub 10. A lifter 23 for moving upward and
dropping laundry(m) is installed in an inner circumference of the
tub 10. A bottom of the drum 20 is submerged in washing water(w) in
the tub 10.
[0054] The driving motor 30 is set in a rear surface of the tub 10
and connected to a rear surface of the drum 20, as a shaft 31 which
penetrates the rear of the tub 10 is supported by a bearing of the
tub 10.
[0055] The water supplier 40 connected to an external hose 41,
referring to FIG. 2, comprises a water supply valve 42 to control
water supplied through the external hose 41, a plurality of water
supply hoses 43 to guide water through the water supply valve 42 to
the detergent supply apparatus 50, and a water supply bellows tube
44 to guide washing water through the detergent supply apparatus 50
to the inside of the tub 10.
[0056] The water supply valve 42 includes 3 cold water valves and 1
hot water valve.
[0057] The water supply hose 43 includes 3 cold water hoses and 1
hot water hose.
[0058] Though air within a housing 52 which will be mentioned later
may move to the tub 10 through the water supply bellows tube 44,
steam flowing backward from the tub 10 as drying or heating washing
is condensed by water contained in the water supply bellow tube
44.
[0059] The water supply bellows tube 44 has a 1.sup.st bending
portion 44a in the shape of .orgate. and a 2.sup.nd bending portion
44b in the shape of .andgate., on one side. Water is sank to a
bottom of an inner horizontal portion in the 1.sup.st bending
portion 44a, and a top of the horizontal portion in the 1.sup.st
bending portion 44a is placed higher than a bottom of the
horizontal portion in the 2.sup.nd bending portion 44b by
predetermined height (h). An air passage is made in the top of the
inner horizontal portion in the 1.sup.st bending portion 44a and in
the inner horizontal portion in the 2.sup.nd bending portion
44b.
[0060] The water drainer 45 comprises a water drain bellows tube 46
connected to an overflow of the tub 10 in order to discharge
washing water into the tub 10, a water drain pump 47 to pump water
drained to the water drain bellows tube 46, and a water drain hose
48 to guide washing water pumped by the water drain pump 47 out of
the washing machine.
[0061] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the detergent supply apparatus 50
comprises the housing 52 placed in one end of the control panel 7
and connected to the water supply bellows tube 44, which is open at
its front and top, a detergent container 54 installed in the
housing 52 to move forward through a front of the housing 52, a
cover 70 (hereinafter referred as "dispenser") to cover a top
surface of the housing 52, installed in a top of the housing 52 and
to supply water to the detergent container 54, connected to the
water supply hose 43, and a liquid detergent container 80
detachably set in the detergent container 54 so as to mix and
supply liquid detergent and water supplied to the detergent
container 54.
[0062] FIG. 3 is an exploded plan of the detergent supply apparatus
in FIGS. 1 and 2, and FIG. 4 is a plane plan of the detergent
supply apparatus in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 5 is a sectional plan of
the line A-A in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a sectional plan of the line
B-B in FIG. 4.
[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 or 6, an outlet 53 is formed on
the housing 52, where water and detergent dropped from the
detergent container 54 is discharged into the water supply bellows
tube 44.
[0064] A handle hole 54b is formed on a front portion 54a of the
detergent container 54, which is open at its rear and top.
[0065] A ventilation hole 54c is formed at a back of the handle
hole 54b so as to inflow external air in the housing 52.
[0066] The detergent container 54 has a powdered detergent chamber
56 to mix and supply powdered detergent and water.
[0067] A partition wall 54f is formed in the detergent container
54, dividing the powdered detergent chamber 56 to include a main
detergent storing section 58 and a preliminary detergent storing
section 62, which is separated from both sidewalls 54d, 54e of the
detergent container 54 by predetermined distance.
[0068] The detergent container 54 has a bleach storing section 59
where bleach is accommodated and a siphon 59a is protruded.
[0069] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the bleach storing section 59 is
positioned in a rear and top of the main detergent storing section
58. Its bottom is distant from the corresponding area of the main
detergent storing section 58 by predetermined distance, which is
open at its top.
[0070] A bleach cover 60 is provided with the siphon 59a and a
water drain passage in the bleach storing section 59.
[0071] The bleach cover 60 is enough to cover a top surface of the
bleach storing section 59, a hook hole 60a suspended in a hook 59b
and a bleach input hole 60b for placing bleach are formed
therein.
[0072] A bottom of the bleach cover 60 has a bleach siphon 60c that
bleach and water moves upward at an interval with the siphon 59a,
apart from the siphon 59a by predetermined distance.
[0073] The bleach cover 60 has a hanging protrusion 60d suspended
in the control panel 7 or the dispenser 70 when the detergent
container 54 is pulled forward, and an elastic portion 60e which
enables to push by lowering the hanging protrusion not to make the
hanging protrusion 60d suspended in the control panel 7 or the
dispenser 70.
[0074] A main detergent clogging-protection rib 61 is formed in the
detergent container 54 so as to prevent a bottom of the bleach
storing section 59 from clogging, apart from a front of the bleach
storing section 59 and from a bottom of the main detergent storing
section 58 by predetermined distance.
[0075] The detergent container 54 has a fabric softner storing
section 63 where fabric softner is accommodated and a siphon 63a is
protruded.
[0076] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the fabric softner storing
section 63 is positioned in a rear and top of the preliminary
detergent storing section 62. Its lower portion is distant from the
corresponding area of the preliminary detergent storing section 62
by predetermined distance, which is open at its top.
[0077] A fabric softner cover 64 is enough to cover a top surface
of the fabric softner storing section 63, a hook hole 64a suspended
in a hook 63b and a fabric softner input hole 64b for placing
fabric softner are formed therein.
[0078] A bottom of the fabric softner cover 64 has a fabric softner
siphon 64c that fabric softner and water moves upward at an
interval with the siphon 63a, apart from the siphon 63a by
predetermined distance.
[0079] A preliminary detergent clogging-protection rib 65 is formed
in the preliminary detergent storing section 62 so as to prevent a
bottom of the fabric softner storing section 63 from clogging,
apart from a front of the fabric softner storing section 63 and
from a bottom of the preliminary detergent storing section 62 by
predetermined distance.
[0080] The dispenser 70, as illustrated in FIG. 3, comprises an
upside panel 72 and a downside panel 78 having a main detergent
water supply passage 73, a preliminary detergent water supply
passage 74, a bleach water supply passage 75, and a fabric softner
water supply passage 76.
[0081] In one end either of the upside panel 72 or the downside
panel 78, a main detergent water supply rib 73a for the main
detergent water supply passage 73, a preliminary detergent water
supply rib 74a for the preliminary detergent water supply passage
74, a bleach water supply rib 75a for the bleach water supply
passage 75, and a fabric softner water supply rib 76a for the
fabric softner water supply passage 76 are located.
[0082] The downside panel 72 has a plurality of main detergent
water supply holes 73b in a front and top of the main detergent
storing section 58, a plurality of preliminary detergent water
supply holes 74b in a front and top of the preliminary detergent
storing section 62, a plurality of bleach water supply holes 75b in
a front and top of the bleach storing section 59, and a plurality
of fabric softner water supply holes 76b in a front and top of the
fabric softner storing section 63.
[0083] The main detergent water supply rib 73a has a bypass hole
73c to make some water through the main detergent water supply
passage 73 detoured to a front of the main detergent water supply
holes 73b.
[0084] The preliminary detergent water supply rib 74a has a bypass
hole 74c to make some water through the preliminary detergent water
supply passage 74 detoured to a front of the preliminary detergent
water supply holes 74b.
[0085] The upside panel 72 and the downside panel 78 are assembled
by melting bond.
[0086] In one end either of the upside panel 72 or the downside
panel 78, there are a 1.sup.st hose connection 79a connected to the
1.sup.st cold water hose 43a in order to supply cold water to the
bleach water supply passage 75, and a 2.sup.nd, 3.sup.rd, 4th hose
connection 79b, 79c, 79d connected to the 2.sup.nd, 3.sup.rd cold
water hose 43b, 43c and the hot water hose 43d to optionally supply
cold water or hot water to the main detergent water supply passage
73, the preliminary detergent water supply passage 74, and the
fabric softner water supply passage 76.
[0087] The liquid detergent container 80, as referring to FIGS. 3
or 6, is possible to furnish with both a main liquid detergent
container 82 detachably set in the main detergent storing section
58 and a subsidiary liquid detergent container 92 detachably set in
the preliminary detergent storing section 62. Or, it is possible to
furnish with either the liquid detergent container 82 detachably
set in the main detergent storing section 58, or the liquid
detergent container 92 detachably set in the preliminary detergent
storing section 62.
[0088] The main liquid detergent container 82, as referring to FIG.
5, is inserted into a front of the main detergent storing section
58. Its height is lower than that of the main detergent storing
section 58 when installed.
[0089] The subsidiary liquid detergent container 92, as referring
to FIG. 6, is inserted into a front of the preliminary detergent
storing section 62. Its height is lower than that of the
preliminary detergent storing section 62 when installed.
[0090] The liquid detergent container 82, 92, as referring to FIGS.
5 and 6, comprises a plurality of protrusions 83, 93 on a bottom of
the powdered detergent chamber 56 to separate from the bottom of
the powdered detergent chamber 56 by predetermined distance.
[0091] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the width of the liquid
detergent container 82, 92 is narrower than that of a sidewall 54d,
54e, 54f of the powdered detergent chamber 56. Thus, there is a
slit(t) between the sidewall 54d, 54e, 54f of the powdered
detergent chamber 56 and that of the liquid detergent container. A
plurality of protrusions 84, 94 is existed to separate from the
sidewalls 54d, 54e, 54f of the powdered detergent chamber 56 by
predetermined distance.
[0092] Since overflowed water from the liquid detergent container
82, 92 is drained through the slit(t), it does not flow to another
place.
[0093] The liquid detergent container 82, 92 has a protruded siphon
85, 95 and a liquid detergent siphon cover 86, 96 which covers the
siphon 85, 95 and provides the water drain passage together with
the siphon.
[0094] The liquid detergent container 82, 92 has a downward sloping
surface 87, 97 toward the siphon 85, 95 in a lower part.
[0095] The liquid detergent siphon cover 86, 96 has a straight
portion 86a, 96a which is suspended on a wall of the liquid
detergent container 82, 92 so as to restrict its rotation.
[0096] The liquid detergent siphon cover 86, 96 has an indication
portion 86b, 96b in a stepwise manner, which shows the maximum
quantity of liquid detergent.
[0097] The liquid detergent siphon cover 86, 96 has a liquid
detergent siphon 86c, 96c where liquid detergent and water moves
upward at an interval with the siphon 85, 95, apart from the siphon
85, 95 by predetermined distance.
[0098] The process for the present invention will be described
below.
[0099] Supposing that liquid detergent is used for the preliminary
and main washing process, first, the main liquid detergent
container 82 is inserted into the main detergent storing section 58
and the subsidiary liquid detergent container 92 is inserted into
the preliminary detergent storing section 62, then, liquid
detergent is poured into the main liquid detergent container 82 and
the subsidiary liquid detergent container 92.
[0100] Laundry(m) is received in the drum 20, the door 5b is
closed, and the control panel 7 orders the washing machine to
operate. The washing machine checks a washing mode and makes water
supply started.
[0101] At least one of the water supply valves 42 supplies water
supplied through the external hose 41 to the preliminary detergent
water supply passage 74 within the dispenser 70. Water falls toward
the front of the preliminary detergent storing section 62 through
the preliminary detergent water supply holes 74b.
[0102] The water supply valve 42 operated to supply water to the
preliminary detergent water supply passage 74 allows water to pass
intermittently in order to prevent liquid detergent or water from
overflowing in case that excessive water is supplied to the
subsidiary liquid detergent container 92.
[0103] That is, the water supply valve 42 operated to supply water
to the preliminary detergent water supply 74 becomes on for the
1.sup.st setting time, and becomes off for the 2.sup.nd setting
time. Such on and off is repeated.
[0104] The 1.sup.st setting time and the 2.sup.nd setting time are
advisable to set depending on a capacity of the subsidiary liquid
detergent container 92.
[0105] Water fallen toward the front of the preliminary detergent
storing section 62 is contained in the subsidiary liquid detergent
container 92 and mixed with liquid detergent which has been put
therein.
[0106] Mixed liquid detergent and water, as illustrated in FIG. 6,
ascends between the siphon 95 of the subsidiary liquid detergent
container 92 and the liquid detergent siphon 96c of the liquid
detergent siphon cover 96, and descends through the siphon 95 of
the subsidiary liquid detergent container 92, then, falls toward
the bottom of the preliminary detergent storing section 62.
[0107] Liquid detergent and water fallen toward the bottom of the
preliminary detergent storing section 62 moves to a back of the
preliminary detergent storing section 62, subsequently to the
housing 52. After going through the outlet 53 of the housing 52,
the water supply bellow tube 44 in turn and getting to the tub 10,
preliminary washing is operated when the drum 20 rotates by the
driving motor 30.
[0108] When preliminary washing is completed and main washing is
started, at least one of the water supply valves 42 supplies water
supplied through the external hose 41 to the main detergent water
supply passage 73 within the dispenser 70. Water falls toward the
front of the main detergent storing section 58 through the main
detergent water supply holes 73b.
[0109] The water supply valve 42 operated to supply water to the
main detergent water supply passage 73 allows water to pass
intermittently in order to prevent liquid detergent or water from
overflowing like preliminary washing.
[0110] That is, the water supply valve 42 operated to supply water
to the main detergent water supply 73 becomes on for the 3.sup.rd
setting time, and becomes off for the 4.sup.th setting time. Such
on and off is repeated.
[0111] The 3.sup.rd setting time and the 4.sup.th setting time are
advisable to set depending on the capacity of the main liquid
detergent container 82.
[0112] Water fallen toward the front of the main detergent storing
section 58 is contained in the main liquid detergent container 82
and mixed with liquid detergent which has been put therein.
[0113] Mixed liquid detergent and water, as illustrated in FIG. 5,
ascends between the siphon 85 of the main liquid detergent
container 82 and the liquid detergent siphon 86c of the liquid
detergent siphon cover 86, and descends through the siphon 85 of
the main liquid detergent container 82, then, falls toward the
bottom of the main detergent storing section 58.
[0114] Liquid detergent and water fallen toward the bottom of the
main detergent storing section 58 moves to a back of the main
detergent storing section 58, subsequently to the housing 52. After
getting to the tub 10 like preliminary washing, main washing is
operated when the drum 20 rotates by the driving motor 30.
[0115] The washing machine operates main washing and drains
contaminated water out of the washing machine. The next operation
is performed according to an option for rinsing or dehydrating.
[0116] When rinse is chosen, the water supply valve 42 is turned on
and clean water is supplied. Clean water, in the same manner as the
above washing, passes within the dispenser 70 and falls toward the
main liquid detergent container 82 or the subsidiary liquid
detergent container 92. It moves to the back of the main detergent
storing section 58 or the preliminary detergent storing section 62,
subsequently to the housing 52.
[0117] Water moved to the housing 52 is supplied to the tub 10 and
rinses laundry when drum 20 rotates by the driving motor 30.
[0118] The washing machine operates main washing and drains
contaminated water out of the washing machine. It repeats water
supply, rinse and drain according to the setting frequency.
[0119] Then, when dehydration is chosen, the drum 20 rotates with
high speed by the driving motor 30 and moisture left in laundry(m)
is dehydrated.
[0120] Supposing that bleach is used for washing, bleach is poured
into the bleach storing section 59 and the washing machine is
operated. At least one of the water supply valves 42 supplies water
supplied through the external hose 41 to the bleach water supply
passage 75 within the dispenser 70. Water falls toward the back of
the main detergent storing section 58 through the bleach water
supply holes 75b.
[0121] The water supply valve 42 operated to supply water to the
bleach water supply passage 75 allows water to pass intermittently
in order to prevent bleach or water from overflowing like
preliminary washing or main washing.
[0122] That is, the water supply valve 42 operated to supply water
to the bleach water supply passage 75 becomes on for the 5.sup.th
setting time, and becomes off for the 6.sup.th setting time. Such
on and off is repeated.
[0123] The 5.sup.th setting time and the 6.sup.th setting time are
advisable to set depending on the capacity of the bleach storing
section 59.
[0124] Water fallen toward the back of the main detergent storing
section 58 is contained in the bleach storing section 59 and mixed
with bleach which has been put therein.
[0125] Mixed bleach and water ascends between the siphon 59a of the
bleach storing section 59 and the bleach siphon 60c of the bleach
cover 60, and descents through the siphon 59a of the bleach storing
section 59, then, falls toward the bottom of the main detergent
storing section 58. Fallen bleach and water is supplied for the tub
10 like preliminary washing and main washing. With that, it
improves washing power.
[0126] Supposing that fabric softner is used for the rinsing
process, fabric softner is poured in the fabric softner storing
section 63 and the washing machine is operated. The washing machine
rinses more than once and fabric softner is supplied together with
water in the last rinsing stage.
[0127] Before the last rinse, at least one of the water supply
valves 42 supplies water supplied through the external hose 41 to
the fabric softner water supply passage 76 within the dispenser 70.
Water falls toward the back of the preliminary detergent storing
section 62 through the fabric softner water supply holes 76b.
[0128] The water supply valve 42 operated to supply water to the
fabric softner water supply passage 76 allows water to pass
intermittently in order to prevent fabric softner or water from
overflowing like preliminary washing or main washing.
[0129] That is, the water supply valve 42 operated to supply water
to the fabric softner water supply passage 76 becomes on for the
7.sup.th setting time, and becomes off for the 8.sup.th setting
time. Such on and off is repeated.
[0130] The 7.sup.th setting time and the 8.sup.th setting time are
advisable to set depending on the capacity of the fabric softner
storing section 63.
[0131] Water fallen toward the back of the preliminary detergent
storing section 62 is contained in the fabric softner storing
section 63 and mixed with fabric softner which has been put
therein.
[0132] Mixed fabric softner and water ascends between the siphon
63a of the fabric softner storing section 63 and the fabric softner
siphon 64c of the fabric softner cover 64, and descends through the
siphon 63a of the fabric softner storing section 63, then, falls
toward the bottom of the preliminary detergent storing section 62.
Fallen fabric softner and water is supplied to the tub 10 like
preliminary washing and main washing. With that, it helps
laundry(m) more softened.
[0133] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and
substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying
claims.
[0134] For example, the case that the liquid detergent container is
inserted into either the main detergent storing section 58 or the
preliminary detergent storing section 62 should be interpreted as
the claim to the present invention.
[0135] As described above, a liquid detergent container in
accordance with a detergent supply apparatus of a washing machine
is installed in a powdered detergent chamber of a detergent
container, which mixes and supplies liquid detergent and water
together. Supply of liquid detergent is simple. Liquid detergent
diluted with water soaks laundry, therefore, decoloration and
discoloration of laundry can be protected.
[0136] The liquid detergent container is detachably set in the
powdered detergent chamber of the detergent container, therefore,
liquid detergent or powdered detergent can be easily put in
depending on a user's intention
[0137] The detergent container has the powdered detergent chambers
and the liquid detergent container is detachably set in one of the
powdered detergent chambers, therefore, liquid detergent and
powdered detergent can be used together.
[0138] The powdered detergent chamber is divided into a main
detergent storing section and a preliminary detergent storing
section. The liquid detergent container includes a main liquid
detergent container detachably set in the main detergent storing
section and a subsidiary liquid detergent container detachably set
in the preliminary detergent storing section. If either the main
liquid detergent container or the subsidiary liquid detergent
container is installed in the detergent container, a different type
of detergent can be used in main washing and preliminary washing.
Therefore, the washing power can be much more improved.
[0139] A bottom of the liquid detergent container is parted from
that of the powdered detergent chamber by predetermined distance,
therefore, liquid detergent and water can easily flow without
stagnating.
[0140] A side of the liquid detergent container is parted from that
of the powdered detergent chamber by predetermined distance and a
top of the liquid detergent container is lower than that of the
powdered detergent chamber, therefore, liquid detergent and water
does not overflow into another place. It can prevent the
unnecessary use of detergent.
[0141] The liquid detergent container has a protruded siphon and a
liquid detergent siphon cover which covers the siphon and provides
a water drain passage together with the siphon, therefore, mixing
and supplying liquid detergent and water is simply possible.
[0142] The bottom of the liquid detergent container has a downward
sloping surface toward the siphon, therefore, remaining liquid
detergent can be minimized.
[0143] The liquid detergent siphon cover has a straight portion
which is suspended on a wall of the liquid detergent container in
order to restrict its rotation, therefore, an additional structure,
i.e. a hook, fixing the liquid detergent siphon cover is not
required and noise from the vibration of the washing machine can be
minimized.
[0144] The liquid detergent siphon cover has an indication portion
in a stepwise manner, which shows the maximum quantity of liquid
detergent, therefore, the user can easily notice the maximum
quantity of liquid detergent. It can prevent the excessive use of
liquid detergent, even the overflowing of liquid detergent.
* * * * *